Best Books on Genealogy

Genealogy Online for Dummies by Matthew and April Leigh Helm is a perfect book the beginner. It has many hints and tips for those researching their family tree online. One reviewer stated it contained all the tips they'd give a beginner just starting their investigation.

It also helps out with how to research online, navigating the internet, and other how-to hints. Although it has been described as being a little on the simple side, for those launching their journey it is a valuable resource.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Online Genealogy by Rhonda McLure is another great book, designed with beginners in mind. The first section of the book helps you get started, and the latter parts go more in depth, helping you to converse with other genealogy buffs to gain more information.

The Everything Family Tree Book by Kimberley Powell contains resources on genetics, D.N.A. and medical information. Good for those just starting, as well as those who have been at it a while longer, it has some stuff the other books don't, and it is reasonably priced too.

The Genealogy Sourcebook by Sharon Debartolo Carmack goes into more depth than some other 'beginner' books - apparently there are different types of cemeteries, and do you know how to get the best tombstone rubbings?

The author also recommends other books and publications to follow up on, and describes in detail how to get the most out of your research - tips on how to interview family members, even how to act while researching in the courthouse, amongst others.

There are also a few genealogy books with a humorous twist...

When Your Ox Is in the Ditch: Genealogical How-To Letters by Vera McDowell is one such book. McDowell is seen as a bit of a 'Dear Abbey' in genealogical circles, and her helpful letters were first published in 1982. Her book is now a brilliant guide for beginners and experienced family history researcher alike. It is easy to read, and makes researching fun.

Collecting Dead Relatives, and Further Undertakings of a Dead Relative Collector by Laverne Galeenerg-Moore is a light hearted look at how people get addicted to genealogy, and the various types of people you're likely to find in your travels. There is also, allegedly, factual information to be found amongst the humour. A good read, entertaining and informative at once.